Lyceum, Philosophical school in Athens, Greece
The Lyceum is an archaeological site featuring excavated remains of an ancient school in Athens, Greece. The uncovered ruins include foundations of teaching spaces and a network of pathways where philosophy and natural science were studied.
Aristotle founded this institution in 335 BCE after returning from Macedonia. He directed the school for twelve years until political turmoil forced him to leave Athens.
The word Peripatos referred to the covered walkways where teachers and students moved together during lessons. This practice of learning while walking shaped the school's identity so deeply that its followers became known as Peripatetics.
The excavation site sits close to the modern Syntagma Square and is easily reached by public transport. Information panels at the ruins explain the functions of different areas and help with orientation on the grounds.
The school maintained a large collection of manuscripts and specimens used for research work. Its fields of study included zoology, botany, physics and political theory, making this institution the first comprehensive research academy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
